TMZ: Former WWE star cleared to wrestle in Japan (UPDATED)

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Ex-WWE U.S. champion MVP — previously barred from Japan because of his 9-year stint in U.S. federal prison — has not only been given clearance to enter the country … he just signed a deal to wrestle there.

According to sources close to the wrestler, Montel Vontavious Porter — real name Alvin Burke, Jr. — inked the deal over the weekend to compete for New Japan Pro Wrestling … a contract that involved TONS of red tape because of Burke’s criminal past.

Burke — who spent over nine years behind bars after being convicted of kidnapping and armed robbery when he was just 16 — had to fight tooth and nail to get the requisite visa given Japan’s anti-felon policy … but was eventually successful.

We’re told MVP will compete in Japan for at least a year — and his first match is in February.

Tune in to TMZ on TV weekdays Monday through Friday (check http://www.tmz.com/tmztv/ for syndicated/local listings)

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MVP commented on Twitter:

Thanks to all my well wishers. The TMZ story was a surprise but good I suppose. Now if they could just get my NAME right … Lol